Happy New Year to all!!! Hope the holidays treated you all well ,and that , like me, you're all rip-roaring to go in 06! Lots to do- lots to see- lots to discover...I love a new year. It feels like a rebirth of sorts. Unfortunately, they have to come in January, the shittiest month of the year! But, nevertheless, I'm excited about all thats to come for me and mi faimilia in the coming months.
I thought today, what with award sesaon already getting into high gear, I'd poll the peanut gallery on this: Name the top three films you saw this year! (Gonna be hard for me, as I don't think I SAW three films from this year!) AND bonus points as always for the lyric. AND - COMING SOON- I'll announce the WINNER of the lyric contest! I know I promised it earlier, but hey- I lied! What can I say?
FYI - rick8- gimmie a buzz today on the cellphone re: Saturday night.
AND- For all you diehards, and those that are uninitiated, check out the season three premiere of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA on SCI FI tonight at 10 eastern. I, personally, think it's the best show on tv...don't let the "genre" thing get in your way. It has great acting, fantastic dialogue and wonderful story lines.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
24 comments:
Just my luck...I gotta bunch of new parents on the board!
I made it to STAR WARS III (Didn't suck as bad as the first two- hardly a case for YEARS BEST status), SERENITY (GREAT popcorn flick) and we rented a few from this year like I heart HUCKABEES (wierd, but cool) MR and MRS SMITH (not as bad as the reviews, but hardly good) and THE UPSIDE OF ANGER ( a total mess of a film, but I really enjoyed it. Probably the best I've seen this year)
Hmmmm.......
Good one....I can barely afford to go to the movies and often see things with my 8-year old step daughter so that offs the ability to see adult-thought provoking- films...BUT
I was enamored with THE LION THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE. I had that feeling that you get when you are a child seeing a wonderful film and getting competely absorbed in it....noble,beautiful cinematography...loved it...and I was neither drunk or stoned watching it so it was a true natural high.
I (heart) HUCKABEES was funky and cool....
WILLY WONKA was fun too....but it was "enhanced" by some alternative means that left me wanting to eat a lot of chocolate..
BECAUSE OF WINN DIXIE was good too.
Okay...I am new parent of sorts...I married into having a child...but apparently I don't see a lot of adult films.
OH WAIT!!! CRASH was killer! I did see that!
X, I'm sooo glad someone else besides me has seen Upside of Anger!!! It's on my top 5 of 05. I think Joan Allen is one of the best American actors that we have. She was phenomenal in this!! If you haven't seen it, go rent it for her performance. I think she deserves an Oscar nom for it. Also: check her out in "The Crucible, as Pat Nixon in Oliver Stones' "Nixon", "The Contender", and "Off the Map". I agree with Laurie Lou: "Crash" was a great film about racial tensions in L.A. It's also in my top 5. Lots of great performances in this. Matt Dillon (yes I said Matt Dillon), Thandie Newton, Sandra Bullock actually does a nice job, Don Cheadle, Jennifer Esposito, and Mr. Terrance Howard who is amazing. Check him out in "Hustle and Flow"....also a good film. I really enjoyed "Capote". Phillip Seymour Hoffman WILL win the Oscar for Best Actor this year. I'll bet ANYONE $20 on it. If you know anything about Truman Capote, or have seen footage of interview...then it should make your skin crawl to see what an amazing job Mr. Hoffman does. "Walk the Line" has some great performances in it...ie Joaquin Pheonix and Reese Witherspoon. "Syriana" with Matt Damon, George CLooney, Chris Cooper, and the brilliant Christopher Plummer is a REALLY, REALLY good film. It gives you a little insight to how power hungry (or oil/gas hungry) our current leaders are. Also a little insight to how young men are drawn into the Koran, and why they decide to drive boats into oil rigs, and planes into buildings. Scared the sh*# out of me. "Good Night, Good Luck" also a very good film. David Straithran is great in this. I thought both of the last 2 films were educational.
LORD..I'm on a roll. As some of you already know, I spend most of my free time watching films.
Here are some more favs of 05.
"In Her Shoes" Some may call it an "intellegent chick flick", but I thought it was a wonderful film about family and the complexities that lie within. Toni Collette is really good in this (she's good in everything..I think she's rather underrated.) In my opinion, Shirley MacClaine gives one of her finest, quitest, most nuanced performances. Expect an Oscar nom for her as well.
"Mysterious Skin" dir: Greg Akari. Unfortunately, not many people saw this film. It came out in August, and ran for about 1 week at the Kentucky. A very accurate film about the affects of child sexual abuse on 2 young men, and how both of them deal with it in completely different ways. Yeah, it's VERY heavy, and unpleasant to watch at times, but it gives you an insight into what (sadly) hundreds of thousands/maybe millions of people may have to deal with in adulthood. I think it's an important film.
"The Producers" was pretty f'n funny. Not as good as the original (which is a must see), but does it justice. Nathan Lane & Matthew Broderick are both funny, and Uma is always nice on the eyes. But the scence stealers are from the supporting cast. Gary Beach and Roger Bart (part of the original Broadway cast) are absolutely hysterical. I thought I was going to piss myself in the "Springtime for Hitler" number towards the end.
"March of the Penquins" brought a tear to my eye.
I thought "King Kong" was the best POPCORN movie of the year. Great special affects, non stop action in the last 2 hours, Jack Black is really good in this, and dammit...the ape made me tear up.
Is it me, or does Colin Hanks look and sounds JUST LIKE his father?
"Pride & Prejudice" the newest version. Yeah, yeah, this is the 800th version of it, but I think it's the best so far. Keira Knightly actually ACTS in this!! Who knew!! I honestly think Judi Dench could read an Applebees menu and be brilliant!
LORD..I'm on a roll. As some of you already know, I spend most of my free time watching films.
Here are some more favs of 05.
"In Her Shoes" Some may call it an "intellegent chick flick", but I thought it was a wonderful film about family and the complexities that lie within. Toni Collette is really good in this (she's good in everything..I think she's rather underrated.) In my opinion, Shirley MacClaine gives one of her finest, quitest, most nuanced performances. Expect an Oscar nom for her as well.
"Mysterious Skin" dir: Greg Akari. Unfortunately, not many people saw this film. It came out in August, and ran for about 1 week at the Kentucky. A very accurate film about the affects of child sexual abuse on 2 young men, and how both of them deal with it in completely different ways. Yeah, it's VERY heavy, and unpleasant to watch at times, but it gives you an insight into what (sadly) hundreds of thousands/maybe millions of people may have to deal with in adulthood. I think it's an important film.
"The Producers" was pretty f'n funny. Not as good as the original (which is a must see), but does it justice. Nathan Lane & Matthew Broderick are both funny, and Uma is always nice on the eyes. But the scence stealers are from the supporting cast. Gary Beach and Roger Bart (part of the original Broadway cast) are absolutely hysterical. I thought I was going to piss myself in the "Springtime for Hitler" number towards the end.
"March of the Penquins" brought a tear to my eye.
I thought "King Kong" was the best POPCORN movie of the year. Great special affects, non stop action in the last 2 hours, Jack Black is really good in this, and dammit...the ape made me tear up.
Is it me, or does Colin Hanks look and sounds JUST LIKE his father?
"Pride & Prejudice" the newest version. Yeah, yeah, this is the 800th version of it, but I think it's the best so far. Keira Knightly actually ACTS in this!! Who knew!! I honestly think Judi Dench could read an Applebees menu and be brilliant!
X... I hope you don't mind me rattling on like this. I FINALLY got to chime in on a subject that wasn't 3 weeks old!!!! I'm always too late!!
I have a few more recommendations:
"High Tension" if you love horror/suspense/blood & guts...then this is the film for you. It came out in 2002, but didn't hit American theaters until this past year. It's a French film with subtitles. It's pretty gruesome and scarey, lots of jumpy moments. If you've read Dean Koontzs' "Intensity" you will see LOTS of similarities. Rip off? Hmmm.
"Being Julia" This film came out in Dec of 04 and Annette Benning was nom for an Oscar last year (deservedly so)...but I don't think alot of people saw it. I was watching it for the 3rd time last night, and was reminded what a great film it is. Benning plays a famous, middle aged West End stage actress in the 30's. If you're involved with the theater in any way...you really should see this film. If you've ever wanted to strangle a fellow actor for milking a laugh or upstaging...then you must see this film.
"The Exorcism of Emily Rose" I thought it was pretty scary! Critics didn't care too much for it. I thought it was a good popcorn film.
That's all I have for now. Tim, I know you asked for 3 fav film of 05 and not 20. I hope you don't mind my mini reviews. Keep in mind, it's my opinion. You guys may think it's a pile o poop.
I still have to see these films that I've read/heard from others that are must see films:
"Munich" Speilbergs' new film with Erik Bana.
"The Squid and The Whale" with Laura Linney and Jeff Daniels.
"ShopGirl" with Steve Martin and Claire Danes.
"Match Point" supposedly Woody Allens's best film since Annie Hall.
"Transamerica" with Felicity Huffman. Lots of Oscar talk.
"Brokeback Mountain" Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhal. Going to see it this weekend.
HONORABLE MENTION: "HUD" with Paul Newman, Melvyn Douglas, and Patricia Neal. Yeah, it's over 40 years old, but it's one of my favorite films of all time. Newman is my hero, and I think it's one of his best films. Patricia Neal and Melvyn Douglas both one Oscars for this film. I think Neal is brilliant in this. Go check it out!!
Hope everyone has a chance to go check some of these flicks out in the next couple o weeks.
new years day-u2-war. three best movies seen this year- wings of desire, valley girl, das boot. sorry- parent and college student-don't get out much.oh, crimson rivers was pretty good, too.
Yep, good ole Michelle Forbes...and she's a friggin Nazi!
You need to rent S. 2 asap! (as unfortunately, I do not have them on DVD)
BTW- I rented CRASH and never got around to watching it. I heard it was good, but the film geeks on AICN absolutely HATE it- they all say it's a case of great actors muddling through terrible dialogue. I'm interested to watch it myself though...oh well, maybe someday!
Dang, why do y'all dislike Star Wars III so much? It was better than Return of the Jedi. Sticks and stones, folks!
My year's best:
1) A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE
2) MUNICH
3) THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE
Mentionables:
The reason I liked THE SITH is because it brought everything full circle in a way that I imagined it would when I was 9. But the SP FX were much better.
LAND OF THE DEAD: The fourth installment of George Romero's Dead Series. I agree it is pure cult, but, for reasons I don't know, nor can explain, I love it.
KING KONG was a lot better than I expected, but I don't really need to see it again. I do recommend it.
No way! Jedi was head and shoulders above SITH, Ewoks and all!
I started to type a long disertation on why this is, but then my "geek-meter"went off and stopped me from it!
Good list though, Millsy. I heard really good stuff about HISTORY OF VIOLENCE...
I just saw King Kong today and if i dont think about it i would say it was a good popcorn flick. But there were too many glaring holes in the film. And those i noticed as i watched the movie. Several hours later after having time to THINK i am disappointed. I thought this was the movie that Peter Jackson supposedely has waited his whole life to make. so what happened?
I told Tim what i really wanted was for Anne Darrow to leap off the building after Kong instead of running into Jacks arms at the ends. That ending would have made more sense to me.
anyway....it is what it is.
Other then that ive only seen Serenity at the theatre this year and thought it was a fun ride and a great bookend for those of us that watched the series Firefly.
The other films i have rented are hardly worth mentioning. But ive found that in the first year of being a new mom i dont have a desire to see the kind of films i used to love. I now want light, easily assesible films that dont stress me or require me to think too much. ugh.....i am the person i used to chide.
Joy, having read your post, you probably won't enjoy SYRIANA.
Death to Ewoks!
Yeah, we have our hands full, too, around here and don't get to many movies, either. But I know over five Wiggles songs by heart and can imitate Blue on Blue's Clues. Oh, well.
Mike and I saw KING KONG. We liked it. The last line was a little cheesy, though, but overall, it was entertaining.
We rented CRASH and enjoyed that, too. I liked the dialogue, actually.
Another great one, as far as dialogue and acting goes, is CLOSER. Great script, too. Love Clive Owen. And even though horse-face Julia is in it, she's bearable.
Mike and I also finally got around to watching SIDEWAYS. If you haven't seen this, it's worth the time. Paul G. is great in this. "I'm not drinking any fucking Merlot, man!"
Saw Harry Potter, too. Enjoyed this since I greatly enjoy the books.
Did not enjoy Star Wars III. I grew up on these movies but some of the new ones just seem so freaking corny. Gone are the days of my hero, Hans Solo. Even though Luke's whining was a little much at times.
We rent movies more than we get to go to them nowadays. Such is the life of those with young children!
Downfall (der Untergang): A GREAT movie about Hitler. Yes. I said a great movie about Hitler.
Batman Begins: THE BEST BATMAN MOVIE EVER MADE!! If you say differently, I'll have to laugh loudly in your face and point at you the next time I see you.
and some porn movie about Vikings, I think.
I know Erin weighed in, so some of this is Ditto.
I loved "Serenity". I loved "Crash" and "Sideways", though I can not say for sure that those films were released in 2005 since I have been under a rock.
Regarding "Kong": The holes mentioned were in the original too. I kinda like that Jackson sticks to the original and gives ZERO detail about how they got that friggin' monkey on the boat and back to the States. It was a very dolled-up recreation of the original. Plus it had a "Wilhelm" sound effect in it. I liked it a lot.
"Batman Begins"- no argument there, lucky-man. I just think it's a shame they burned up Walken on that stinkin' Penguin installment. He could've been handy in the future. I mean, the whole Batman franchise just went straight to the crapper! Tommy Lee Jones?! Why?!
Erin's ambivalent about seeing "The Producers". She's a musical-whore, so her dislike of Uma has to be pretty big to keep her out of that one.
Oh, and baby, I didn't know Harrison Ford was German.
(oops...accidently posted as Mike a second ago...let's try this again..)
About Star Wars...Hahahaha Mike. Aren't you clever? Well, he IS German, so screw off. Actually, he went after German's with his Dad, didn't he? Oh, wait, that was my other hero, Indiana Jones. :)
I will see The Producers eventually. I just can't believe they put Uma in that role. She's supposed to be tall, YES, but also a BIG GIRL with a loud booming voice. Uma? Please.
And yes I am a musical whore and I'm proud of it. IF YOU GOT IT, FLAUNT IT. :)
My problem is I can't remember anything I've seen this year. Julieanne and I usually end up, catching all our movies during November & December because I'm in the Writers Guild and there are all kinds of studio screenings and I can get into most theatres in LA for free with my WGA card to see the current crop of contenders. Sometimes the studios even send us screeners. We only got CRASH & CINDRELLA MAN this year. I saw Crash in the theatre and we haven't watched Cinderella Man yet. Unfortunately, November and December, we were a bit preoccuppied and didn't get out to many movies. And I think I threw my voting ballot out the other day, so I don't even have a list of the current crop of stuff to prompt my faulty memory. The only one I can remember seeing was GOOD NIGHT & GOOD LUCK which I liked and would be on my list. I want to see Mrs. Henderson Presents, Capote, The Squid & The Whale, Syriana, Constant Gardener, Brokeback Mountain. I'm sure there are more but names escape me...
The best movie I've seen so far year is the DVD I picked up the other day, a western, SEVEN MEN FROM NOW, starring Randolph Scott and Lee Marvin, Written by Burt Kennedy, and directed by Budd Boetticher. Lean, terse, but very densely-packed with dramatic riches.
Can't remember whether I saw it this year or last, but it was one I loved: HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS.
I totally forgot about BATMAN- Great flick! But, as you all know from a previous post, I really dig Christian Bale...it was by FAR the best BATMAN flick...I did feel that the SCARECROW was wasted in that flick. Don't know why they don't feel they can just have ONE villina!...rumors abound as to who will play the JOKER in the sequel...I've heard everyone from Mark Hamill(Don't laugh- his animated JOKER is awesome) to (gasp) Michael keaton!
Steven Fry! Half of the comedy duo of Fry and Laurie (Hugh Laurie from Fox's House) who did the great Masterpiece Theatre's Jeeves and Wooster series. He is a great talent. He also wrote the libretto for Me and My Gal. In some very funny Blackadder episodes, too.
Morgan Freeman can talk about flushing a toilet and it sounds good.
Yes, D. Batman. Don't make me get out my finger.
I just saw "The Constant Gardner" with Ralph Feinnes and Rachel Weisz. VERY, VERY GOOD MOVIE. The best screenplay of 05 in my opinion. Lots of good acting. Another GOOD political thriller that makes you think.
Bareback Mounting...I mean Brokeback Mountain managed to live up to all the hype. For me anyway. Heath Ledger gives a solid, reserved performance, but I think Jake Gyllenhal's performance isn't getting the recognition it deserves...really good work. Michelle Williams should get an Oscar nod for her work. Her performance broke my heart.
Post a Comment